Chapter Twenty
Bastian walked at myside as we made our way outside to the training grounds, the others surrounding us. Our arms brushed against each other and we both jerked away like the touch stung. I swallowed the lump in my throat, still raw from the conversation with Sky the night before, wishing I’d known more about the bonds, hating my lack of knowledge. Why hadn’t I asked more questions growing up? Searched out information?
I never thought I’d have kindreds since it was rumored those born out of the kindred bond were cursed, but even without my own bonds, the journal we found made it clear how false it was. So, I never bothered learning and there was no one to tell me anyway. My parents avoided talking about kindreds, it was a sore subject in our home.
A yawn overtook my face, exhausted from staying up late plotting with the guys. And then even later with some other things.
We split up at the training grounds, Bastian headed off with Aster and Whist to work with the soldiers while Sky, and Saber went with me. It looked like we beat Indigo and her kindreds.
Saber rolled his shoulders. “Let’s get you warmed up while we wait for Elora to come work with you.”
“You aren’t working with me today?” I asked.
“I’ll work with you anytime you want, doll. But Saber and I need to make some friends with the soldiers. They’re a little nervous around us.” He shot me a wicked grin, his prior attitude completely missing.
If anyone could put a bunch of soldiers at ease, it was Sky and Saber. With Sky’s humor and Saber’s quiet confidence, I was certain they’d have the troops eating out of their hands by midday.
We stretched out and then Sky had me working on strength exercises when Elora finally arrived. “Sorry. We had a council member come to talk with us early this morning.”
“Anything we need to worry about?” I asked.
“Nothing we can discuss now.” She studied me a moment before turning to Sky and Saber. “Darius went to join Bastian and Lysander and Indigo are training together. The two of you should head out and do the same. I’ll keep her safe.”
I wanted to yell I could take care of myself, but it was a lie. I had no chance against most of the people here. Not yet. But Elora would get me there, of that I was confident.
Sky and Saber didn’t go far, but close enough to the main grounds that they could interact. Elora and I kept to the edges. Not here to make friends, but to get me in shape to defend myself from any attacks.
She ran me through the things I already knew, making sure I hadn’t forgotten in the weeks since we last trained. I was a bit rusty, but my body remembered how to move.
“Good.” Elora gave me a short nod of approval. “Now let’s try something new.”
My body shook, and I was soaked with sweat, dirt and grass stuck to my clothes by the time she called a halt. “You’re improving. But you’re still too scared to hurt your hands. In training, I can deal with that and we can certainly focus more on your legs, but in a case of life or death you can’t be afraid to use them.”
“I know. And I have. I tore them up to escape from the... my kidnappers.” My nails finally looked normal again.
“Good.” Something behind me caught her attention, making her eyes narrow.
I spun and gasped, my mouth falling open. Bastian and Sky were fighting. Worry knotted my stomach. Those two were a spark away from exploding.
Elora dragged me over to the rails so we could see them better. They were a swirl of flashing blades and intricate steps, both confident in their movements. They danced together with taunts and teasing, grins blazing, eyes amused. Sweat glistened on their bare chests and arms, their muscles rippling beneath the skin. Damn, they were beautiful.
Training elsewhere had stopped as everyone watched the two twirl and whirl in a clash of swords and daggers.
Sky was good, but Bastian was better. After playing for a few minutes, Bastian moved faster and with a fluid ease Sky couldn’t match. First, his dagger flew through the air to land in the dirt a few feet away. Sky rolled to grab it, but Bastian kicked it away. My breath caught, the worry returning. Sky leapt to his feet and held his own with only his sword against Bastian’s sword and dagger.
Until Sky’s sword joined his dagger in the dirt.
Sky laughed, completely not bothered by his loss, and threw an arm across Bastian’s shoulders. “Damn, that was fun. I haven’t lost in years. We need to keep you around so I can improve.”
“Or perhaps teach you a little humility,” Saber teased.
Sky scoffed. “Humility is for losers.”